Be Strong: Be Kind, Book 2
Uplifting picture book shows strength comes in many forms.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Be Strong, by Pat Zietlow Miller (Be Kind), is a colorful, uplifting picture book that reminds young readers and their adults reading aloud that strength comes from determination and in people working together. Often kids (and adults) compare others' physical successes to their own and decide that they're failures, and Miller reminds readers that strength is the gift of trust and commitment and togetherness. The message of showing up for others, specifically for those who are struggling, is shown in ways that really connect with young readers. Jen Hill's soft illustrations beautifully focus on faces, expressions, and community connection.
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What's the Story?
Not reaching the top of the rock wall in the school gym makes Tanisha feel like a failure in BE STRONG, especially compared with Cayla, who scampers to the top without effort. But her family helps her realize that strength comes in many forms, and most of them aren't about physical muscles. Her mom organizes an effort to improve the safety of their community; her grandma is determined to take up running even if she struggles; her dad helps people who are displaced after a disaster. Tanisha sees the value and feeling of success when she helps those efforts and stays committed to her own work even when it's hard.
Is It Any Good?
Author Pat Zietlow Miller's exceptional picture book reminds young readers of the importance of inclusion, commitment, and trust, and the powerful impact each person has when we reach out to others. In Be Strong, Tanisha's outlook changes when she sees the ways people show up for their community in different ways. Sometimes the world is improved when her connections are one-on-one, sometimes the work is communitywide, and sometimes it's in showing up for herself. Miller wisely highlights the importance of Tanisha balancing her own needs with the ways she can help her community, of not neglecting herself while she gives to others.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how, like in Be Strong, they have their own individual strengths that make each other stronger. What are your strengths?
How do you use your strengths to help others?
What makes a person strong?
Book Details
- Author: Pat Zietlow Miller
- Illustrator: Jen Hill
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
- Publication date: August 10, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 3 - 6
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated: August 7, 2021
Our Editors Recommend
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Be Kind
Warm story shows big impact of simple acts of kindness.
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Speak Up
Uplifting message of individual empowerment and joy.
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All Are Welcome
Kind, uplifting story of inclusion and diversity at school.
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